Keep hearin stories of people dropping dead from myocarditis how common

Selection bias: One reason you hear stories like this is because they make dramatic news, especially if they occur in athletes, politicians, children, young adults or celebrities. A large study in Finland showed that myocarditis caused death in 5 out of 1 million of adults over 40. While still rare, relative death rates increase significantly as the group studied gets younger. Most deaths weren't "sudden."

Not very common: The true incidence of myocarditis is difficult to establish but in one autopsy study of 1866 young athletes who died suddenly: 6% had myocarditis. In a study of 2200 patients with unexplained heart failure: 10% had myocarditis. In a study of male traumatic accident victims: 5% had myocarditis that was as-symptomatic. For a discussion on causes of myocarditis SEE: www.bit.ly/1u6xlbf

Not very common: People die suddenly (sadly) very commonly from heart attacks, but from myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart, it is not very common at all.